Point-of-purchase coupon dispenser

Abstract

A self-powered, compact intelligent device senses the proximity of a consumer and draws their attention by emitting either a low level beeping sound or a 5-15 second or longer "audible commercial" or other audio/visual signal while simultaneously presenting promotional material. This point-of-purchase coupon dispenser POP-CD offers the consumer the convenience of individual, point-of-purchase coupons for immediate use.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A point-of-purchase coupon dispenser comprising: coupon storage means for storing a plurality of coupons, coupon exit means, and means for ejecting coupons one at a time from said storage means through said exit means;   audio/visual means for attracting the attention of a consumer; and   activation means having consumer sensing means for sensing the presence of a consumer, said sensing means being operatively connected to said audio/visual means and said means for ejecting coupons, whereby when proximity of said consumer is sensed, said audio/visual means and said means for ejecting coupons are activated.   
     
     
       2. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising coupon sensing means for sensing the presence of a coupon in said exit means; said coupon sensing means operatively connected with said means for ejecting coupons whereby activation of said means for ejecting coupons is interrupted if the presence of a coupon in said exit means is sensed.   
     
     
       3. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said coupon sensing means is an optical sensor. 
     
     
       4. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said consumer sensing means is an ultrasonic detector. 
     
     
       5. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said ultrasonic transducer is adjustable in sensing range. 
     
     
       6. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said audio/visual means is a buzzer. 
     
     
       7. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said audio/visual means is a speaker and an audio message storage device. 
     
     
       8. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said audio message storage device is a cassette player. 
     
     
       9. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a self-contained power source. 
     
     
       10. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 9, wherein said self-contained power source is a battery. 
     
     
       11. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising mounting means for mounting said machine on a retail store shelf. 
     
     
       12. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising automatic shut-off means. 
     
     
       13. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupon storage means comprises a removable coupon tray. 
     
     
       14. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for ejecting coupons is a motor with roller means. 
     
     
       15. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 13, wherein said removable coupon tray comprises a coupon shoe and a constant spring means to hold a plurality of coupons pressed against a plate. 
     
     
       16. The coupon dispenser as claimed in claim 5, further comprising switching means and clock means connected to said ultrasonic transducer whereby said transducer is placed in a transmit mode for a predetermined time and placed in receive mode for an adjustable period of time, whereby the period of time said transducer is in receive mode determines the sensing range of the transducer. 
     
     
       17. A point-of-purchase coupon dispenser comprising: coupon storage means for storing a plurality of coupons, coupon exit means, and means for ejecting coupons one at a time from said storage means through said exit means;   audio/visual means for attracting the attention of a consumer;   activation means operatively connected to said audio/visual means and said means for ejecting coupons to effect activation thereof; and   mounting means for mounting said machine on a retail store shelf, wherein said mounting means comprises an upper and lower bracket and a tightening screw.   
     
     
       18. A point-of-purchase coupon dispenser comprising: coupon storage means for storing a plurality of coupons, coupon exit means, and means for ejecting coupons one at a time from said storage means through said exit means;   audio/visual means for attracting the attention of a consumer;   activation means operatively connected to said audio/visual means and said means for ejecting coupons to effect activation thereof; and   tamper detection means comprising a mercury switch operatively connected with said audio/visual means whereby said audio/visual means is activated when said machine is moved out of a horizontal position.   
     
     
       19. A point-of-purchase coupon dispenser comprising: coupon storage means, including a removable coupon tray for storing a plurality of coupons, said removable coupon tray having a coupon shoe and a constant spring means for holding a plurality of coupons pressed against a plate;   coupon exit means;   means for ejecting coupons, one at a time, from said storage means through said exit means, wherein said means for ejecting coupons is a motor with a roller and said plate is provided with an opening whereby said roller contacts a coupon pressed against said plate;   audio/visual means for attracting the attention of a consumer; and   activation means operatively connected to said audio/visual means and said means for ejecting coupons to effect activation thereof.   
     
     
       20. A point-of-purchase coupon dispenser comprising: coupon storage means for storing a plurality of coupons, coupon exit means, means for ejecting coupons one at a time from said storage means through said exit means, and coupon sensing means for sensing the presence of a coupon in said exit means;   audio/visual means for attracting the attention of a consumer; and   activation means being operatively connected to said audio/visual means, said means for ejecting coupons and said coupon sensing means, said activation means activating said audio/visual means and selectively activating said means for ejecting coupons when said coupon sensing means senses the lack of a coupon in said coupon exit means.